On August 15, 2024, California’s State Senate and Assembly made crucial decisions on the future of hundreds of bills, with many advancing based on their projected costs. This day marked one of the final challenges for legislation before reaching the Governor’s desk. Several priority bills supported by the California Medical Association (CMA) passed this hurdle, moving closer to a final vote.

• Prior Authorization (SB 516): Authored by Senator Nancy Skinner, this bill aims to eliminate unnecessary prior authorizations, modernize the process, and enhance transparency in health plan actions.
• ER Violence (AB 977): Introduced by Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez, this legislation seeks equal penalties for violence against healthcare workers in emergency departments, ensuring their protection in all hospital settings.
• AI in Health Care (SB 1120): Senator Josh Becker’s “Physicians Make Decisions Act” ensures that physicians, not AI, have the final say in patient treatment, balancing automated tools with necessary safeguards.
• Physician Mental Health (AB 2164): Assemblymember Marc Berman’s bill addresses the stigma around mental health care for physicians, clarifying that licensing boards cannot mandate the disclosure of non-impairing mental health conditions.
• Human Trafficking (SB 963): Senator Angelique Ashby’s bill mandates the implementation of programs in emergency departments to help victims of human trafficking and domestic violence self-identify.

However, AB 815 by Assemblymember Jim Wood, which sought to simplify the physician credentialing process, was held in committee. CMA will continue working with stakeholders to address this issue in the fall.